Article Sections

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as unipolar depression, is a highly prevalent condition characterized by low mood, a loss of interest in activities, physical symptoms (eg, fatigue, sleep/appetite/psychomotor changes), feelings of worthlessness or guilt, concentration difficulties, and thoughts of death or suicide.  Symptoms must be persistent (≥2 weeks) and cause significant distress or functional impairment.  MDD may or may not be precipitated by a psychosocial stressor and is highly variable in presentation.

Epidemiology and risk factors

The estimated 12-month prevalence rate of MDD is 5%.  This condition is most common in young adults (age 18-29), and its overall prevalence appears to decrease with increasing age.  MDD is about twice as common in women than in men, which may be related to reproductive hormonal effects on mood and an increased risk for interpersonal trauma.

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